The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group, is on the verge of organising an exposition on project financing and banking as part of its efforts to help achieve The Gambia’s Vision 2020.

Geared towards providing a platform for the exchange of views and information on banking opportunities in The Gambia and abroad, the three-day exposition under the theme: Financing for Development-Accessing Information for Funding, will take place at the Paradise Suites Hotel from 5th – 7th June, 2008.

According to Beatrice Allen, Director, Trade and Investment Promotion at GCCI, the objectives of the exposition are to discuss banking and financial industry concerns and Small and Medium Enterprises’ (SMEs’) access to finance and to promote the development of private businesses.

Also part of the objectives, Mrs. Allen went on, “is to provide information to the private sector on how to access financing for projects, to showcase the latest solutions, products and technologies in banking and financial services, provide a platform for joint ventures among others”.

As explained by Mrs. Allen, the exposition will draw audience from the banking and finance sector in The Gambia, and from the international and regional financial institutions.

 “The Gambian public, local and international business operators are the key target audience, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises and the private sector.”

Also part of the programme will be the presentation of a report by a consultant based on a survey made on all banks and financial institutions in The Gambia to bring about issues and constraints about The Gambia’s banking and financial sector, among other issues.